SNL Cast - Round 2d
SNL Cast Members
It's been in our lives for almost 50 years now, and it's more than just a cultural institution. It's part of the very fabric of pop culture. And over the years, we've seen some amazing comedians come through the cast (we've also seen some pretty lame ones, but that's for another bracket). But who is the best of the best? There's only one way to find out! Let's vote!
Roseanne Roseannadanna - Round 2
(1) Gilda Radner v (8) Molly Shannon
The first person to be cast as a “Not Ready For Primetime” Player, Radner wowed on SNL from 1975-1980. Unforgettable sketch characters like Roseanne Roseannadanna and Barba Wawa earned Radner an Emmy in 1978. Radner was the comedy bridge between Mary Tyler Moore and Seinfeld's Elaine and few if any, have ever been better in Sudio 8H.
Best known for the character Mary Katherine Gallagher, Shannon spent 1995-2001 being a “Superstar” on SNL. With many recurring characters, a Shannon sketch was never far away during her 116 episode stint in Studio 8H. Even after her departure, Shannon continued to make history, becoming the only Lorne Michaels female cast member to host the show.
(5) Bill Hader v (4) Jane Curtin
Hader wanted to fill a “Phil Hartman type role” during his tenure on SNL from 2005-2013. While not quite as prolific as Hartman, Hader nailed impressions and was a great troupe player for 8 years. Not to mentioned that he created one of the most memorable Weekend Update characters in Stefon, the New York City correspondent who was ultimately “married” to Seth Meyers.
An original cast member from 1975-1980, Curtin often played “straight-woman” foil to the likes of John Belushi and Gilda Radner. Her pairing with Dan Akyroyd on the Weekend Update Desk and “Point-Counterpoint” segments clearly displayed her steady, intelligent presence and humor on the show.
(6) Fred Armisen v (3) Chris Farley
Armisen appeared in 856 sketches during his tenure on SNL. It did not matter if it was an impression, an outlandish original character, or something that called for a little bit of both, Armisen was ever present and ever funny from 2002-2013.
The heir to John Belushi, Farley cracked audiences up with his loud, physical style on SNL. Whether living in a van down by the river or dancing alongside Patrick Swayze, Farley had no equal on SNL from 1990-1995.
(7) Jason Sudeikis v (2) Phil Hartman
Starting as a writer in 2003, Sudeikis became a cast member in 2006 and stayed until 2013. During his time in 8H, Sudeikis ably performed impressions of GW Bush, Mitt Romney, and Joe Biden. ESPN correspondent Pete Twinkle and Vance on “What’s Up With That” are just two of many funny recurring characters.
"He kind of held the show together. He gave to everybody and demanded very little.”
With this quote, Lorne Michaels encapsulated Phil Hartman’s run on SNL from 1986-1994. During his run, Hartman portrayed over 70 different characters on SNL. Original characters like The Anal Retintive Chef and Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer were seamlessly mixed with impressions of Frank Sinatra or Bill Clinton, sometimes in back to back sketches. Hartman was unique and definitely earned his nickname “Glue”.
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